[MetalZilla]

Back in the day, when I was working at a large CNC job shop, we had 2 machining departments. The CNC Milling Department and the CNC Turning Department. Naturally boys being boys we had an ongoing rivalry and much debate between the 2 departments as to who was more skilled. The CNC Mill Machinists or the CNC Lathe Machinists? ( I did both) What's your opinion?

[ifixcnc]

It all depends on the complexity of the work.

[glovebox20]

I have no opinion. They both have there challenges. I admire Lathe people for being able to produce a part with a limited amount of Tools and Tool clearance issiues. But milling programs can get rather complex at times. All I know is if you put me on a CNC lathe, I'd be crashing it left and right.

[FMJ]

I suck at both, but I suck the least on the mill. So lathe guys rule.

[holbieone]

define "Machinist"

or do you mean machine operator , unless you can run it all your not a Machinist

[Geof]

If you are indeed a Machinist then you run both, along with shapers, planers, grinders, etc. If you can only run one type of machine you are not a Machinist.

[MetalZilla]

Actually, I would consider anyone that is a master of any type of major shop equipment to be a machinist. Just specializing in a certain type of machining.

[TribalNewt]

define "Machinist"

or do you mean machine operator , unless you can run it all your not a Machinist

going off of this basis... would you say a "mechanic" isn't a mechanic unless he knows how to fix every type of vehicle?? car, truck, high end luxury, import, muscle, hot rod, hybrid, full electric?? and every component?? engine rebuild, tranny's, suspension, electronics???

I myself have been in industry for 10 years, and am only now starting my apprenticeship, i have never worked on lathes in my life (other than in school) so i am not great in that aspect, but i know i can hold my own on a mill (CNC and Traditional).

I consider myself a Machinist... and i am proud of it...http://www.cnczone.com/forums/images/smilies/banana.gif

[holbieone]

going off of this basis... would you say a "mechanic" isn't a mechanic unless he knows how to fix every type of vehicle?? car, truck, high end luxury, import, muscle, hot rod, hybrid, full electric?? and every component?? engine rebuild, tranny's, suspension, electronics???

they would be called technicians

I myself have been in industry for 10 years, and am only now starting my apprenticeship, i have never worked on lathes in my life (other than in school) so i am not great in that aspect, but i know i can hold my own on a mill (CNC and Traditional).

I consider myself a Machinist... and i am proud of it...http://www.cnczone.com/forums/images/smilies/banana.gif

"apprenticeship" , after your done with your apprenticeship you will be a Machinist